Rugby fans have questioned why the Lions chose to play La Rochelle in France, barely a day after the shock death of one of their teammates, Hyron Andrews.
The 31-year-old was found unresponsive in a shower in his hotel room. Paramedics were unable to revive him.
In scenes from the match – which the French side won 41-13 – Lions were seen crying during a moment of silence.
WHY DID THE LIONS PLAY LA ROCHELLE AFTER HYRON ANDREWS’S DEATH?
In a statement post just hours after Hyron Andrews’s death was confirmed, the Lions confirmed that their Investec Champions Cup match against La Rochelle would go ahead.
Just before kickoff, club coach Ivan van Rooyen told the media: “It’s been a tough 24 hours and we’ve decided to celebrate Hyron, show respect to his wife and his children, and celebrate life. It gets taken away so quickly.
“We’ve had hundreds and thousands of messages from all over the world. It’s not about winning or losing today. It’s not about rugby.
He added: “We want to show the respect to Hyron, who was an unbelievable guy, an unbelievable player, a world-class dad and a world-class husband.
“Us arriving for the game shows how much he means to us and how much it means to everyone.”
TOO SOON?
On social media, the Lions’ decision to fulfil their match against La Rochelle, despite a player’s death, was met with mixed reactions.
While some respected the team’s honourable gesture, others felt it was too soon.
Here’s what a few X users posted…
@MaezaGiuseppe: “The game should have been postponed, but hey, it’s business”
@HannieEvan: “These guys are absolutely broken 💔. Yet the game isn’t called off because money trumps humanity 💔”
@wfreemantle: “The Lions should not be playing rugby tonight. No matter if the players themselves want to do it for Hyron, even if the family approves…They should not be playing! That’s not strength”
@aahhtee: “We’re really quite disposable as humans. This Hyron Andrews situation is just a reminder. He died, and a few hours later, a revised team sheet was released with his replacement. They put someone in his spot and called it a day. Life simply went on. 💔”
It's inhumane that these guys have to play rugby at this moment in time.
— Austin 3:16 (@Lloydbhudda) October 17, 2026
I feel for them so much https://t.co/4wuH8KZUL9